Houston Rockets: Will Pursue Chris Paul

May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Chronicle has reported that the Houston Rockets also plan to pursue Chris Paul when he officially becomes a free agent on July 1.  The Rockets have been in the headlines recently as a possible destination for soon-to-be free agent center Dwight Howard, as well as forward Josh Smith, but this is the first time that Paul’s name has been mentioned in any reports.

While Howard is still the team’s no. 1 option, one source from the chronicle called Paul as option 1A, indicating that the Rockets will be after both players simultaneously, leaving Smith as option 2.

Unlike Howard, Paul’s situation is different.  Paul has only come out one time this past season to express his frustrations with the Los Angeles Clippers organization in public, which came after coach Vinny Del Negro was let go.  Paul was not thrilled about the decision, and reports have indicated that the Clippers are currently consulting Paul about the next hire, which makes the idea of CP3 leaving unlikely.

Regardless of the situation, Houston will make a proposal to Paul, and if he becomes more and more interested as the free agent period goes on, GM Daryl Morey will be busy looking to make trades to free up more cap space.